OCALA, FL (352today.com) – I don’t listen to people who are chock-full of nonsense the same way I turn a blind ear if you say flats are better than drums. They’re not! There’s more meat on a piece of tofu than there is on a flat.

While MCBIA’s annual King of The Wing cooking competition may not have decided the age-old discrepancy of drums vs flats, it certainly may have decided where the best wing in Ocala resides.

MCBIA's fundraiser, the King of The Wing cooking competition, raises money for The Arc of Marion County while providing the community with a taste of local flavors.
Courtesy: Bree Harrell/352today
MCBIA's fundraiser, the King of The Wing cooking competition, raises money for The Arc of Marion County while providing the community with a taste of local flavors.
Courtesy: Bree Harrell/352today
MCBIA's fundraiser, the King of The Wing cooking competition, raises money for The Arc of Marion County while providing the community with a taste of local flavors.
Courtesy: Bree Harrell/352today
MCBIA's fundraiser, the King of The Wing cooking competition, raises money for The Arc of Marion County while providing the community with a taste of local flavors.
Courtesy: Kelly McAtee/Things to Do Ocala
MCBIA's fundraiser, the King of The Wing cooking competition, raises money for The Arc of Marion County while providing the community with a taste of local flavors.
Courtesy: Bree Harrell/352today
MCBIA's fundraiser, the King of The Wing cooking competition, raises money for The Arc of Marion County while providing the community with a taste of local flavors.
Courtesy: Bree Harrell/352today
MCBIA's fundraiser, the King of The Wing cooking competition, raises money for The Arc of Marion County while providing the community with a taste of local flavors.
Courtesy: Bree Harrell/352today
MCBIA's fundraiser, the King of The Wing cooking competition, raises money for The Arc of Marion County while providing the community with a taste of local flavors.
Courtesy: Kelly McAtee/Things to Do Ocala

On Tuesday evening, underneath the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion, the best flavors regionally and locally collided for a classical contest of who’s best, from Hooters to local joints such as Mojo’s and Fat Boy’s BBQ.

Various local departments and businesses, including Marion County Fire Rescue and Dillon Media Group, put their two cents in the hat to see if they could compete with the restaurants.

93.7 K-Country midday host Lewis Stokes was one of the competition’s judges, alongside Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano, Marion County Property Appraiser Jimmy Cowan, and Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken. Stokes gave a heartfelt description of the delicious tastes that led to heartburn ahead of their final decisions.

MCBIA's fundraiser, the King of The Wing cooking competition, raises money for The Arc of Marion County while providing the community with a taste of local flavors.
Lewis Stokes (right) was one of the guest judges at the competition. Courtesy: Bree Harrell/352today

“There were 14 entries, so I ate 14 wings. Then there was a tie breaker. So, I ate two more for a total of 16 wings,” exclaimed Stokes. “They were all so good, from sweet to spicy, char-grilled to battered. One entry was so good I could have eaten more of that one. It was plump, juicy, and sweet… it may end up being the winner.”

Following the 16 wings, Stokes proclaimed he would “run home and take some Pepto Bismol,” a much-deserved reward.

Ultimately, the competition was decided in two categories: the judges’ and the people’s decisions. Only two wings out of the 14 entered would rank in each category.

The Judges:

  • 1st – Teco Gas
  • 2nd – Mojo’s

The People:

  • 1st – Stentiford Construction
  • 2nd – City of Ocala
MCBIA's fundraiser, the King of The Wing cooking competition, raises money for The Arc of Marion County while providing the community with a taste of local flavors.
Courtesy: Kelly McAtee/Things to Do Ocala
MCBIA's fundraiser, the King of The Wing cooking competition, raises money for The Arc of Marion County while providing the community with a taste of local flavors.
Courtesy: Kelly McAtee/Things to Do Ocala
MCBIA's fundraiser, the King of The Wing cooking competition, raises money for The Arc of Marion County while providing the community with a taste of local flavors.
Courtesy: Kelly McAtee/Things to Do Ocala
MCBIA's fundraiser, the King of The Wing cooking competition, raises money for The Arc of Marion County while providing the community with a taste of local flavors.
Courtesy: Kelly McAtee/Things to Do Ocala

The event brought a lot of flavor to the table, as well as attention to a good cause. All proceeds from the event will benefit The Arc Marion County, a nonprofit organization that supports individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities.

“This event is always a fantastic way to bring the community together, showcase some amazing local talent, and support a meaningful cause,” said Kelly McAtee, CEO, Things To Do Ocala.

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